WPMC gets Breastfeeding Employees Support award

Thursday

Western Plains Medical Complex has received the Silver Level "Breastfeeding Employees Support Award" from the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition and its Business Case for Breastfeeding program.

The award is based on proven and established standards to benefit employers and employees.

It recognizes businesses that provide support services to their breastfeeding employees, to include education as well as the time and space for employees to nurse and/or pump breastmilk at their workplace.

The award, the second ranking of three sponsored by the coalition, was presented by Brenda Bandy, executive director for the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition.

According to Bandy, Western Plains Medical Complex received the award for achieving a high level of support to their employees as outlined in the Coalition’s criteria.

She said they provide a "silver level" pumping room, allow flexible time to pump, and have instituted a policy of breastfeeding support.

Pointing out that many breastfeeding mothers abandon breastfeeding when they return to work because they lack the support and appropriate facilities at their place of employment, Bandy said, "We want to help change that unfortunate situation."

Employers that have established support services for breastfeeding employees have reported a $3 for $1 return on investment plus realizing a more productive working environment.

"Many Kansas employers recognize the benefits of supporting their breastfeeding employees. We want to shine the spotlight on as many employers as we can for doing their part to make returning to work while breastfeeding easier in hopes that will encourage more businesses to follow suit," said Bandy.

Businesses that provide support services for their breastfeeding employees can be considered for a "Breastfeeding Employees Support Award" at the bronze, silver and gold levels. Applications are available at www.kansasbusinesscase.com/for_employers/employer_awards.

The Business Case for Breastfeeding is a program to assist employers in developing or enhancing support services for their breastfeeding employees.

The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition is a non-profit 501(c) 3 with the mission of working collaboratively to promote and protect breastfeeding in order to improve the health of Kansas families.

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